Depression and Suicide: Fact vs. Myth
by Cassie (Cassiopeia.)
Approximately every 13.3 minutes, someone commits suicide ]. Suicide is the act of killing oneself and it is strongly associated with depression, one of the most common mental illnesses, and is a persistent state of sadness that lasts for more than two weeks. Depression and suicide can affect anyone of any age, race, gender, or background. This year alone, it is estimated that 30,000 Americans will take their lives. On...

Coping with depression
By Zach (zeekool)
I've had depression for about a year now, but it seems like it has been at least five. Within this last year, I have been on four different depression-related medications, gone to a psychiatric hospital (for teens), and have had weekly therapy sessions with a psychiatrist. In the process, I've gained a lot of experience regarding how to cope with depression.
The most important rule I set for myself is: no searching symptoms and conditions on the...

Surviving the suicide of a loved one
By Kathy (drowningangel)
Regardless of the cause, death is incredibly hard to cope with, and when someone close commits suicide, it may leave you feeling especially lost and alone. Suicide is the third highest cause of death for those between the ages of 15 and 24 in the world. When this tragedy strikes, family and friends go through many changes that can be overwhelming, and while no one can go through the grief process for them, understanding emotions...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 1, Issue 4 (September 2007).
What To Do If You Are Feeling Suicidal
by Xamed (Jas)
If you are feeling suicidal right now, I want you to first ask yourself the following questions:
Have you thought about how you would do it?
Do you have what you need to carry out your plan?

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 1, Issue 4 (September 2007).
How suicide can affect survivors
by Mel and Xamed (Jas)
Suicide has a heart wrenching effect on its survivors. A survivor of suicide is defined as one who has lost a loved one to suicide. That said, the effect a suicide has can reach far beyond survivors and extend to an entire community.
When a person commits suicide, their community is left to survive in the wake of a death - a chosen death. They are usually unable...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 1, Issue 9 (February 2008).
Depression
by *xxjessxx*, Katiee & .Infinity. (Mel)
An introduction - What is depression?
Depression is an illness that affects your body, as well as your mood, thoughts and behaviors. As your self-esteem levels tend to change, your eating and sleeping patterns can change as well.
Despite what some people say, depression isn’t just something where you can just “pull yourself together” from. It takes a lot of time and...

A Guide to Depression
Statistics indicate that one in eight adolescents may struggle with some form of depression. This thread contains information on dealing with and overcoming depression.
Although everyone feels fed up, sad, unhappy, or miserable at times, depression is a more extreme form of these emotions. Sometimes, we feel there is a cause for our depression: the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, a failed exam, or an illness. Other times, however, there doesn't...